FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 29 



There remains, however, one important branch of silvicultural work which the 

 Commission can undertake witli a reasonable prospect of success, and which can be 

 carried on without violating any provision of the Forestry Law. Tree planting can 

 be done ; the denuded acres of the preserve can be reforested. 



Actuated by a praiseworthy desire to undertake some experimental work along 

 this line, Mr. J. Y. McClintock, the Assistant Superintendent, accompanied by For- 

 esters Bryant and Knechtel, began some small plantations in the Catskill Preserve 

 during the last year. Although no appropriation had been made for the purpose, 

 they succeeded in obtaining from the State College of Forestry a donation of 

 .several thousand seedlings \\'hich they planted, the work being done at times when 

 they could be spared from their other duties in that region without detriment to 

 the work on which they were regularly engaged. For information as to the details 

 of this work you are respectfully referred to the accompanying report of the Assist- 

 ant Superintendent, which gives an interesting account of the inauguration of what, 

 it is believed, will in the future form an important branch of our Department work. 



While it is not proposed at this time to undertake the reforesting of the many 

 thousand acres of waste or denuded lands in the preserve, it seems advisable that 

 some small portion of this area should be planted each year, and that a suitable 

 appropriation should be made by the Legislature for such purpose. The work, if 

 done in a judicious and conservative manner, will not necessitate any great annual 

 expenditure, and it undoubtedly would receive the approval of every one who is 

 interested in the forest policy of our State. 



A small nursery for raising seedlings should be established at some convenient 

 localit)- within the preserve, and placed in charge of one of our professional for- 

 esters. In order that a thorough knowledge may be gained of everything per- 

 taining to the technical work involved it is recommended that the seeds used in 

 this business should be gathered from our forests instead of purchased ; and 

 that every detail of the business, including the collection, preparation and planting 

 of the seeds in the nursery beds, and the subsequent transplanting, be done within 

 our own lines, not only with reference to future growth, but with the intention of 

 acquiring all the practical and technical knowledge necessary in carrying on such 

 work. 



After making a careful estimate of the necessary e.xpenses it is suggested that 

 the Commission ask the Legislature to appropriate the sum of $4,000 annually, to 

 be devoted to the maintenance of a forest nursery, and the reforesting of the waste 

 lands within the preserve. 



